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Online Master’s in Psychology Degree Programs
Last updated: November 2020
An online Master of Psychology degree provides a foundation in basic scientific methods and psychological principles. Graduates will possess the knowledge, skills and disposition to affect change in people and organizations. Topics may cover lifespan development, behavior management, research and analysis, counseling, intervention and psychopathology and prepare students to make a difference in the world—just how big of an impact depends on one’s reason for pursuing a master’s degree and plans after graduation.
Start your career in psychology with our sponsored online masters program:
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Compare Online Master’s in Psychology Degree Programs
University Name | Location | Degree Name | GRE Requirement | Program Length | Total Credits |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Adelphi University | Garden City, New York | Master of Arts in General Psychology | No GRE Required | 2 Years | 36 Credits |
Adler University | Chicago, Illinois | Master of Arts in Psychology | No GRE Required | 12 Months | 36 Credits |
American Public University | Charles Town, West Virginia | Master of Arts in Psychology | No GRE Required | 2 Years | 39 Credits |
Angelo State University | San Angelo, Texas | Master of Science in Applied Psychology | No GRE Required | 2 Years | 36 Credits |
Arizona State University | Tempe, Arizona | Master of Science in Psychology | GRE Required | 18 Months | 36 Credits |
Ball State University | Muncie, Indiana | Master of Science in Quantitative Psychology | GRE Required | 2 Years | 33 Credits |
Divine Mercy University | Sterling, Virginia | Master of Science in Psychology | No GRE Required | 2 Years | 36 Credits |
Eastern Kentucky University | Richmond, Kentucky | Master of Science in Psychology | GRE Required | 2 Years | 33 Credits |
Grand Canyon University | Phoenix, Arizona | Master of Science in General Psychology | No GRE Required | 8 Weeks | N/A |
Indiana Institute of Technology | Fort Wayne, Indiana | Master of Science in Psychology | GRE Required | N/A | 33 Credits |
Kansas State University | Manhattan, Kansas | Master of Science in Psychology | No GRE Required | 2 Years | 38 Credits |
Letourneau University | Longview, Texas | Master of Arts in Psychology | No GRE Required | 5 Years | 39 Credits |
Lynn University | Boca Raton, Florida | Master of Science in Psychology | No GRE Required | 1-2 Years | 37 Credits |
McNeese State University | Lake Charles, Louisiana | Master of Arts in Psychology | GRE Required | 2 Years | 58 Credits |
Medaille College | Buffalo, New York | Master of Arts in Psychology | No GRE Required | 1 Year | 36 Credits |
Mercy College | Dobbs Ferry, New York | Master of Science in Psychology | No GRE Required | 2 Years | 36 Credits |
National University | San Diego, California | Master of Arts in Psychology | No GRE Required | 1-2 Years | 90 Quarter Units |
National Louis University | Chicago, Illinois | Master of Arts in Psychology | No GRE Required | 1-2 Years | 36 Credits |
Northcentral University | San Diego, California | Master of Arts in Psychology | No GRE Required | 18 Months | 30-36 Credits |
Nova Southeastern University | Davie, Florida | Master of Science in General Psychology | No GRE Required | Two Years | 30 Credits |
Palo Alto University | Palo Alto, California | Master of Science in Psychology | No GRE Required | 2 Years | 44 Credits |
Pepperdine University Sponsored |
Malibu, California | Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis Master of Arts in Psychology Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology |
No GRE Required | 18-24 Months | 36-48 Credits |
Purdue University Global | Chicago, Illinois | Master of Science in Psychology | No GRE Required | 18 Months-2 Years | 65 - 75 Credits |
Regent University | Virginia Beach, Virginia | Master of Science in General Psychology | No GRE Required | 8-week course sessions | 39 Credits |
Saint Leo University | St. Leo, Florida | Master of Science in Psychology | GRE Required | 2 Years | 36 Credits |
Saybrook University | Oakland, California | Master of Arts in Psychology | No GRE Required | 2 Years | 31 Credits |
Southern New Hampshire University | Manchester, New Hampshire | Master of Science in Psychology | No GRE Required | 15 Months | 36 Credits |
Tiffin University | Tiffin, Ohio | Master of Science in Psychology | N/A | 1.5-2 Years | 37 Credits |
Touro University | Vallejo, California | Master of Arts in Psychology | No GRE Required | 1 Year | 36 Credits |
Union College | Barbourville, Kentucky | Master of Arts in Psychology | GRE Required | 2 Years + 11 Months Clinical Training | 37 Credits |
University of Idaho | Moscow, Idaho | Master of Science in Psychology | No GRE Required | 2 Years | 33 Credits |
University of Louisiana - Monroe | Monroe, Louisiana | Master of Science in Psychology | GRE Required | 2 Years | 36 Credits |
University of Southern California | Los Angeles | Master of Science in Applied Psychology | GRE Required | 16 Months | 34 Credits |
University of West Alabama | Livingston, Alabama | Master of Science in Experimental Psychology | GRE Required | N/A | 36-54 Credits |
Insights into Online Master’s in Psychology Degree Programs
Adelphi University
Garden City, New York
Program Overview
- Program Name: Master of Arts in General Psychology - Adelphi University
- Program Length: Two years
Program Requirements
- Credits Needed: 36 Credits
- Practicum Hours: N/A
- Internship Hours: N/A
- On Campus Requirement: No
Admission Information
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- Two letters of recommendation
- A personal essay
- Transcripts from all previously attended schools
- Prerequisite courses: General Psychology and one additional elective (for example: Personality, Abnormal Psychology, Social Psychology or Developmental Psychology)
- General GRE scores are recommended but not required.
Adler University
Chicago, Illinois
Program Overview
- Program Name: Master of Arts in Psychology - Adler University
- Program Length: 12 Months
Program Requirements
- Credits Needed: 36 Credits
- Practicum Hours: N/A
- Internship Hours: Social Justice Practicum Required
- On Campus Requirement: No
Admission Information
- A GPA of 3.0 or better (on a 4.0 scale) in their baccalaureate degree.
- Applicants with a GPA between 2.5 and 2.99 will be considered for conditional admission by submitting two letters of recommendation from a current professor, supervisor, and/or someone who can attest to the applicant’s ability to be successful in a graduate program. Exceptions may be made for applicants with a conferred graduate degree.
- Applicants with a GPA below a 2.5 will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
- Two letters of recommendation
American Public University
Charles Town, West Virginia
Program Overview
- Program Name: Master of Arts in Psychology - American Public University
- Program Length: Two years
Program Requirements
- Credits Needed: 39 Credits
- Practicum Hours: N/A
- Internship Hours: N/A
- On Campus Requirement: No
Admission Information
- Undergraduate Degree: An undergraduate degree in psychology or a bachelor's degree
- GPA Requirement: Minimum 2.0
- GRE Requirement: GRE Not Required
- Essay/Recommendations: N/A
Angelo State University
San Angelo, Texas
Program Overview
- Program Name: Master of Science in Applied Psychology - Angelo State University
- Program Length: Two Years
Program Requirements
- Credits Needed: 36 Credits
- Practicum Hours: N/A
- Internship Hours: N/A
- On Campus Requirement: No
Admission Information
- Undergraduate Degree: Bachelor's degree from a regionally-accredited academic institution
- GPA Requirement: Minimum 3.0
- GRE Requirement: GRE Not Required
- Essay/Recommendations: Essay required
Arizona State University
Tempe, Arizona
Program Overview
- Program Name: Master of Science in Psychology - Arizona State University
- Program Length: 18 Months or up to 6 years (Part-Time)
Program Requirements
- Credits Needed: 36 Credits
- Practicum Hours: 1500 hours
- Internship Hours: 120 Hours
- On Campus Requirement: No
Admission Information
- Undergraduate Degree: Bachelor's degree from a regionally-accredited academic institution
- GPA Requirement: Minimum 3.0
- GRE Requirement: GRE Required
- Essay/Recommendations: Two letters of recommendation and statement of purpose required
Ball State University
Muncie, Indiana
Program Overview
- Program Name: Master of Science in Quantitative Psychology - Ball State University
- Program Length: 2 Years
Program Requirements
- Credits Needed: 33 Credits
- Practicum Hours: N/A
- Internship Hours: N/A
- On Campus Requirement: No
Admission Information
- Submit Official Transcripts
- Submit GRE Scores
- Letter of Intent
- Two Recommendation Letters
Divine Mercy University
Sterling, Virginia
Program Overview
- Program Name: Master of Science in Psychology - Divine Mercy University
- Program Length: Two Years
Program Requirements
- Credits Needed: 36 Credits
- Practicum Hours: N/A
- Internship Hours: N/A
- On Campus Requirement: No
Admission Information
- Undergraduate Degree: Bachelor's degree from a regionally-accredited academic institution
- GPA Requirement: Minimum 2.5
- GRE Requirement: GRE Not Required
- Essay/Recommendations: Two letters of recommendation, letter of intent, and resume required
Eastern Kentucky University
Richmond, Kentucky
Program Overview
- Program Name: Master of Science in Psychology - Eastern Kentucky University
- Program Length: Two Years
Program Requirements
- href="#Credits Needed: 33 Credits
- Practicum Hours: N/A
- Internship Hours: N/A
- On Campus Requirement: No
Admission Information
- Undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 2.75, and 3.0 overall in the last 60 hours of the bachelor’s program.Applicants with a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher are exempt from the GRE requirement.
- Targeted Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores of 149 or above on the Verbal section and 144 or above on the Quantitative section.
- Three (3) letters of recommendation providing evidence of academic potential from persons familiar with the applicant’s academic or employment experience.
- A statement of career goals and objectives demonstrating academic potential and appropriate interests.
- Curriculum Vitae/Resume
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, Arizona
Program Overview
- Program Name: Master of Science in General Psychology - Grand Canyon University
- Program Length: Eight Weeks
Program Requirements
- Credits Needed: N/A
- Practicum Hours: N/A
- Internship Hours: N/A
- On Campus Requirement: No
Admission Information
- Undergraduate Degree: Not Required
- GPA Requirement: Minimum 2.8
- GRE Requirement: GRE Not Required
- Essay/Recommendations: N/A
Indiana Institute of Technology
Fort Wayne, Indiana
Program Overview
- Program Name: Master of Science in Psychology - Indiana Institute of Technology
- Program Length: N/A
Program Requirements
- Credits Needed: 33 Credits
- Practicum Hours: N/A
- Internship Hours: N/A
- On Campus Requirement: No
Admission Information
- Undergraduate Degree: Bachelor's degree from a regionally-accredited academic institution
- GPA Requirement: Minimum 2.5
- GRE Requirement: N/A
- Essay/Recommendations: Two letters of recommendation required
Kansas State University
Manhattan, Kansas
Program Overview
- Program Name: Master of Science in Psychology - Kansas State University
- Program Length: Two Years
Program Requirements
- Credits Needed: 83 Credits
- Practicum Hours: Two Practica Required
- Internship Hours: N/A
- On Campus Requirement: Yes
Admission Information
- Statement of Objectives
- Resume
- Submit Three References
Letourneau University
Longview, Texas
Program Overview
- Program Name: Master of Arts in Psychology - Letourneau University
- Program Length: Five Years
Program Requirements
- Credits Needed: 39 Credits
- Practicum Hours: 100 hours
- Internship Hours: 40 hours
- On Campus Requirement: No
Admission Information
- Undergraduate Degree: Bachelor's degree from a regionally-accredited academic institution
- GPA Requirement: Minimum 2.5
- GRE Requirement: GRE Not Required
- Essay/Recommendations: N/A
Lynn University
Boca Raton, Florida
Program Overview
- Program Name: Master of Science in Psychology - Lynn University
- Program Length: 1-2 Years
Program Requirements
- Credits Needed: 37 Credits
- Field Work Required
- On Campus Requirement: N/A
Admission Information
- Undergraduate GPA of 3.0
- Completed application
- Personal statement describing your goals and aspirations and how this degree will help you attain them (500 words).
- Official transcripts from all previously attended colleges and/or universities. See below for more information.
- Letter of recommendation from a previous professor or employer.
- Current resume
McNeese State University
Lake Charles, Louisiana
Program Overview
- Program Name: Master of Arts in Psychology - McNeese State University
- Program Length: Two Years
Program Requirements
- Credits Needed: 58 Credits
- Practicum Hours: N/A
- Internship Hours: 1,500 hours
- On Campus Requirement: N/A
Admission Information
- A minimum score of 285 on the GRE (Quantitative + Verbal).
- A minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 2.5.
- Three hours of statistics plus a minimum of 18 hours in psychology, including 3 hours in each of the following: experimental psychology, abnormal psychology, and social psychology.
Medaille College
Buffalo, New York
Program Overview
- Program Name: Master of Arts in Psychology - Medaille College
- Program Length: One-Two Years
Program Requirements
- Credits Needed: 36 Credits
- Practicum Hours: N/A
- Internship Hours: N/A
- On Campus Requirement: None
Admission Information
- Resume
- Personal/professional goal statement with a self-appraisal of qualifications for the profession (educational summary, professional experience, assessment of knowledge, skills and abilities)
- Two professional references
Mercy College
Dobbs Ferry, New York
Program Overview
- Program Name: Master of Science in Psychology - Mercy College
- Program Length: Two Years
Program Requirements
- Credits Needed: 36 Credits
- Practicum Hours: 120 hours
- Internship Hours: 1,200 hours
- On Campus Requirement: N/A
Admission Information
- Undergraduate Degree: N/A
- GPA Requirement: N/A
- GRE Requirement: GRE Not Required
- Essay/Recommendations: Personal statement and letters of recommendation required
National Louis University
Chicago, Illinois
Program Overview
- Program Name: Master of Arts in Psychology - National Louis University
- Program Length: One-Two Years
Program Requirements
- Credits Needed: 36 Credits
- Field Experience in Higher Education Required
- On Campus Requirement: N/A
Admission Information
- Complete application
- Submit Official Transcripts
- Admissions Essay
- Three letters of recommendation
- Faculty review or interview may be required
National University
San Diego, California
Program Overview
- Program Name: Master of Arts in Psychology - National University
- Program Length: 1-2 Years
Program Requirements
- Credits Needed: 90 Quarter Credits
- Practicum Hours: 225-280
- On Campus Requirement: No
Admission Information
- Undergraduate Degree: Required with 2.5 cumulative GPA
- Complete online application
- Submit Official Transcript
Northcentral University
San Diego, California
Program Overview
- Program Name: Master of Arts in Psychology - Northcentral University
- Program Length: 18 Months
Program Requirements
- Credits Needed: 30-36 Credits
- Practicum Hours: 250 hours
- Internship Hours: 100 hours
- On Campus Requirement: N/A
Admission Information
- Undergraduate Degree: N/A
- GPA Requirement: N/A
- GRE Requirement: GRE Not Required
- Essay/Recommendations: N/A
Nova Southeastern University
Davie, Florida
Program Overview
- Program Name: Master of Science in General Psychology - Nova Southeastern University
- Program Length: Two Years
Program Requirements:
- Credits Needed: 30 Credits
- Practicum Hours: 2,000 hours
- Internship Hours: N/A
- On Campus Requirement: No
Admission Information
- Undergraduate Degree: Bachelor's degree from a regionally-accredited academic institution
- GPA Requirement: Minimum 3.0
- GRE Requirement: GRE Not Required
- Essay/Recommendations: Personal essay and two academic or professional letters of recommendation required
Palo Alto University
Palo Alto, California
Program Overview
- Program Name: Master of Science in Psychology - Palo Alto University
- Program Length: Two Years
Program Requirements
- Credits Needed: 44 Credits
- Practicum Hours: N/A
- Internship Hours: N/A
- On Campus Requirement: Yes
Admission Information
- Undergraduate Degree: Bachelor's degree from a regionally-accredited academic institution
- GPA Requirement: Minimum 3.3
- GRE Requirement: GRE Not Required
- Essay/Recommendations: Statement of purpose and three letters of recommendation
Sponsored
Pepperdine University
Malibu, California
Program Overview
- Program Name: Master’s in Psychology Online - Pepperdine University
- Program Length: 18-24 Months
Program Requirements
- Credits Needed: 36-48 Credits
- Clinical Interventions Required
- On Campus Requirement: No
Admission Information
- Undergraduate Degree: Bachelor's degree from a regionally-accredited academic institution
- Submit Official Transcripts
- Two Letters of Recommendation
- Statement of Purpose
Purdue University Global
Chicago, Illinois
Program Overview
- Program Name: Master of Science in Psychology - Purdue University Global
- Program Length: 18 Months to 2 Years
Program Requirements
- 65-75 Credits Needed
- Practicum: N/A
Admission Information
- Submit an Unofficial Transcript
- Complete and informational interview
Regent University
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Program Overview
- Program Name: Master of Science in General Psychology - Regent University
- Program Length: Eight-week course sessions
Program Requirements
- Credits Needed: 39 Credits
- Practicum Hours: N/A
- Internship Hours: N/A
- On Campus Requirement: No
Admission Information
- Undergraduate Degree: Bachelor's degree from a regionally-accredited academic institution
- GPA Requirement: Minimum 2.75
- GRE Requirement: GRE Not Required
- Essay/Recommendations: N/A
Saint Leo University
St. Leo, Florida
Program Overview
- Program Name: Master of Science in Psychology - Saint Leo University
- Program Length: 2 Years
Program Requirements
- Credits Needed: 36 Credits
- Practicum hours: N/A
- Internship Hours: 32 hours
- On Campus Requirement: N/A
Admission Information
- Undergraduate Degree: Bachelor's degree from a regionally-accredited academic institution
- GPA Requirement: Minimum 3.0
- GRE Requirement: GRE Required
- Essay/Recommendations: Personal statement and two letters of recommendation required
Saybrook University
Oakland, California
Program Overview
- Program Name: Master of Arts in Psychology - Saybrook University
- Program Length: Two Years
Program Requirements
- Credits Needed: 31 Credits
- Field Practice Required
- On Campus Requirement: No
Admission Information
- Complete online application
- Submit Official Transcript
- No GRE Required
Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, New Hampshire
Program Overview
- Program Name: Master of Science in Psychology - Southern New Hampshire University
- Program Length: 15 Months
Program Requirements
- Credits Needed: 36 Credits
- Practicum Hours: N/A
- Internship Hours: N/A
- On Campus Requirement: N/A
Admission Information
- Undergraduate Degree: Bachelor's degree from a regionally-accredited academic institution
- GPA Requirement: Minimum 2.75
- GRE Requirement: GRE Not Required
- Essay/Recommendations: N/A
Tiffin University
Tiffin, Ohio
Program Overview
- Program Name: Master of Science in Psychology - Tiffin University
- Program Length: One and a half to Two Years
Program Requirements
- Credits Needed: 37 Credits
- Practicum Hours: N/A
- Internship Hours: N/A
- On Campus Requirement: No
Admission Information
- Undergraduate Degree: Bachelor's degree from a regionally-accredited academic institution
- GPA Requirement: Minimum 3.0
- GRE Requirement: N/A
- Essay/Recommendations: Personal statement essay required
Touro University
Vallejo, California
Program Overview
- Program Name: Master of Arts in Psychology - Touro University
- Program Length: One Year
Program Requirements
- Credits Needed: 36
- Practicum Hours: 400 hours
- Internship Hours: 1,200 hours
- On Campus Requirement: N/A
Admission Information
- Undergraduate Degree: Bachelor's degree from a regionally-accredited academic institution
- GPA Requirement: Minimum 2.5
- GRE Requirement: GRE Not Required
- Essay/Recommendations: N/A
Union College
Barbourville, Kentucky
Program Overview
- Program Name: Master of Arts in Psychology - Union College
- Program Length: 2 Years + 11 Months Clinical Training
Program Requirements
- Credits Needed: 36 Credits
- Practicum Hours: N/A
- Internship Hours: N/A
- On Campus Requirement: Yes
Admission Information
- Undergraduate Degree: Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from a regionally-accredited academic institution
- GPA Requirement: Varies by Program
- GRE Requirement: GRE Required
- Essay/Recommendations: Personal goal statement required
University of Idaho
Moscow, Idaho
Program Overview
- Program Name: Master of Science in Psychology - University of Idaho
- Program Length: Two Years
Program Requirements
- Credits Needed: 33 Credits
- Practicum Hours: N/A
- Internship Hours: N/A
- On Campus Requirement: No
Admission Information
- Undergraduate GPA of 3.0
- Three Letters of Recommendation
University of Louisiana - Monroe
Monroe, Louisiana
Program Overview
- Program Name: Master of Science in Psychology - University of Louisiana
- Program Length: Two Years
Program Requirements
- Credits Needed: 36 Credits
- Practicum Hours: 83.3 to 166.6 hours
- Internship Hours: N/A
- On Campus Requirement: N/A
Admission Information
- Undergraduate Degree: Bachelor’s degree from a regionally-accredited academic institution
- GPA Requirement: Minimum 2.75
- GRE Requirement: GRE Required
- Essay/Recommendations: N/A
University of Southern California
Los Angeles
Program Overview
- Program Name: Master of Science in Applied Psychology - University of Southern California
- Program Length: 16 Months
Program Requirements
- Credits Needed: 34 Credits
- Practicum Hours: N/A
- Internship Hours: N/A
- On Campus Requirement: No
Admission Information
- Undergraduate Degree: Bachelor’s degree from a regionally-accredited academic institution
- GPA Requirement: N/A
- GRE Requirement: GRE Required
- Essay/Recommendations: Personal statement of purpose and three letters of reference required
University of West Alabama
Livingston, Alabama
Program Overview
- Program Name: Master of Science in Experimental Psychology - University of West Alabama
- Program Length: N/A
Program Requirements
- Credits Needed: 36-54 Credits
- Practicum Hours: N/A
- Internship Hours: N/A
- On Campus Requirement: No
Admission Information
- A minimum of 3.0 GPA (four-point scale) or graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master’s degree with a minimum of 3.0 GPA (four-point scale).
- GRE Required
- Statement of Purpose
- Submit Official Transcripts
MA in Psychology Vs. MS in Psychology
Graduate-level psychology programs offer two, different degree tracks: the Master of Arts (MA) in Psychology and the Master of Science (MS) in Psychology. While there is an overlap in program coursework, each degree has significant differences. Prospective students will need to consider their academic interests and desired career paths to choose the appropriate program.
The MA degree tends to emphasize liberal arts, humanitarian studies, and counseling. This degree benefits students who wish to work in client care, as it focuses on more direct psychological theory, assessment, and intervention.
The MS degree often indicates a stronger focus on behavioral, research, and statistical science. Students pursuing careers in research or academic writing may benefit from this degree. Coursework may focus on advanced statistics and research methodology.
Since the academic requirements for MS and MA degrees are often very similar, we may instead distinguish between terminal stand-alone and doctoral-preparatory Master of Psychology degrees.
- Terminal master’s degrees in psychology prepare graduates to enter or advance in a specific subfield, such as industrial/organizational psychology or developmental psychology. Although terminal degree programs do not result in licensure, graduates may work in a variety of applied psychology settings including community mental health centers or treatment facilities.
- Doctoral preparatory master’s degrees in psychology generally follow the scientist-practitioner model of clinical psychology. Research mentorship opportunities in these degree programs develop students’ independent research skills in preparation for a doctoral program. These degree programs may also require the completion of a thesis for graduation.
What Can You Do With a Master’s in Psychology?
The American Psychological Association indicates that a master’s degree in psychology can provide numerous opportunities for students entering the workforce. Some of which, we outlined in our guide: "What Can You Do With a Master's in Psychology?".
Many states permit professionals with master’s-level degrees to work in clinical, counseling, and school psychology as therapists, counselors, and other mental health clinicians. However, many people utilize their psychology degrees in business industries to work as human resource managers, advertising agents, or market researchers. Furthermore, some professionals work in local, state, or federal government positions as parole officers, social services managers, and employment counselors.
Ways to Improve your Job Prospects
A master’s degree in psychology provides the foundation for a number of careers in the public and private sectors. Although licensed independent practice as a “psychologist” typically requires a doctoral degree and postdoctoral training, there are also opportunities for individuals with master’s-level training in psychology.
Of the states that grant licenses to individuals with a master’s degree, some allow for autonomous practice while others require supervision by a doctoral level licensed psychologist. In either case, a master’s-level license in psychology will open new opportunities to work in the field. Some of the licenses that are available with a master’s of psychology include:
- Psychological Associate
- Psychological Assistants
- Psychological Practitioner
- Psychological Examiner
- Psychological Technician
- School Psychologist
- Licensed Master’s-Level Psychologist
There are also jobs in the public and private sectors that fall under the umbrella of psychology or involve some of the principles of psychology but don’t require licensure. For example, you may be able to work as a survey researcher, market research analyst, human resources manager, behavioral consultant or researcher. For more information, see our guide on how to become a psychologist.
Receive additional training before doctoral studies
You don’t need a master’s degree to be admitted into a doctoral psychology program, but depending on the point you’re at in your career, you may consider it.
The American Psychological Association (APA) and many state licensing boards state that doctoral education and training is necessary to practice as a psychologist. In other words, a doctorate in psychology is the standard for anyone looking to conduct independent research or practice as a licensed psychologist.
If you’re thinking about this path but aren’t ready to commit to a doctoral program, an online Master of Psychology degree program may allow you to get a firsthand taste of what graduate psychology studies are like so you can decide on a doctorate later.
Master of Psychology Degree Concentrations
When you enroll in an online Master of Psychology degree program, you may be able to choose a specialization to focus on a particular subfield of psychology practice. The American Psychological Association (APA) recognizes 15 specialties of professional psychology. Popular master’s-level psychology concentrations you may be able to select include:
- Clinical Psychology is a large subfield that encompasses a range of techniques and theoretical approaches that aid in diagnosing and treating mental, emotional and behavioral disorders such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders, substance abuse and learning disabilities.
Interested in a career in psychology? Check out our guide to online master’s degrees in clinical psychology for more information.
- Neuropsychology is the branch of psychology concerned with how a person’s cognition and behaviors are influenced by the brain and central nervous system. This specialty is also concerned with how brain injuries or illnesses affect cognitive functions and development.
- Industrial-Organizational (IO) Psychology is characterized by the study of human behavior in organizations and places of work. IO psychologists focus on the health and well-being of employees, as well as how to improve performance, motivation and job satisfaction.
- Forensics Psychology is the application of clinical psychology techniques and methods in the judicial and legal systems. Forensics psychologists may provide law enforcement agencies with criminal profiles or testify in court as expert witnesses.
Learn more about a career as a behavior analyst and check out our guide to online master’s degrees in behavioral psychology or our guide to online master’s in applied behavior analysis.
Earning an Online Master’s in Psychology
Hundreds of universities offer master’s in psychology degrees, and it is essential that students research their options to apply for the right program.
With many students choosing to work or raise families while obtaining their degrees, online learning provides certain flexibility and convenience.
Online school admission requirements vary depending on the institution. Typically, more competitive schools require a minimum grade point average and the submission of GRE scores.
Start your career in psychology with our sponsored online masters program:
Earn Your Master of Arts in Psychology from Pepperdine University.
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Online school program lengths also vary according to the institution’s requirements and semester credit loads. For a clinical psychology master's degree, students should expect to complete the program within one to three years, while a master’s degree in behavioral psychology may take two to three years.
The master's in psychology online curriculum typically includes coursework in relevant principles including social psychology, lifespan development, research theory and methods, personality, and cognitive psychology. Students may also be required to complete some elective courses.
Application Requirements
Every institution has unique application requirements for enrollment. However, prospective students should expect to provide the following:
Resume: This resume should highlight paid employment, internships, or volunteering positions in psychology or psychology-related fields.
Personal Essay or Statement: Many schools want to assess a potential candidate’s critical thinking and writing skills. This assignment provides you the opportunity to showcase your passion and dedication to psychology.
Letters of Recommendation: Schools may request 2-3 letters of recommendation from past or current employers or professors who can vouch for your work ethic and character.
Learning Outcomes
The learning outcomes for graduate programs vary on the type of degree and the institution. Some programs prepare for licensure in specific concentrations, and the coursework provides the foundational curriculum to equip students for their future careers.
Coursework varies depending on the university and the program, but students may learn:
- Laws and ethics of becoming a clinical practitioner
- Evidence-based psychotherapy techniques
- Education about mental disorders and emotional disorders
- Cross-cultural training about diverse populations
- Advanced understanding of lifespan human development
- Research assessment, interpretation, and application
Most programs require the completion of a thesis or equivalent project (comprehensive exam, writing assignment) to demonstrate the successful integration of such learning outcomes.
Student Support For Online Students
Online students may require appropriate and unique accommodations to feel supported and succeed in their programs. On traditional campuses, students typically receive services at school directly. However, student support for online students may entail a hybrid of electronic communication that includes phone calls, email, video conferencing, text messaging, and live chats.
Online support varies depending on the institution, but the options may include:
- Admission and financial aid advising
- Academic tutoring and advising
- Ongoing technical support
- Library services
- Current networking programs and communities
- Personal support services (i.e., health and counseling services)
- Military support for both service and family members
- Career, internship or clinical placement services
- Post-graduate alumni support
Live Class Discussions
Many programs require synchronous or live class discussions as part of their curriculum. Synchronous classes refer to interactive discussions that may entail video or audio chatting options. Students meet in a virtual classroom and speak with their professors directly.
Depending on the institution, students may be required to attend these classes. If they cannot participate, they may need to notify the professor in advance.
Nonsynchronous classes, on the other hand, includes coursework without current time restraints. This may involve uploading homework, participating in classroom discussion or message boards, and reviewing course content. While there are deadlines for completion, students can work at their own pace.
Small Class Size
Smaller class sizes are associated with higher individual attention, enhanced participation, and improved communication between the instructor and the students.
In larger classes, instructors tend to emphasize factual knowledge. However, they’re less likely to cultivate communication skills. As a result, students may struggle to feel connected or inspired by the material they learn. This lack of enthusiasm can result in performance problems and inattention.
Doctorate in Psychology
The doctorate in psychology is the highest, academic degree psychology students can receive. In addition to clinical expertise, the doctorate program primarily focuses on preparing students to teach in higher education, conduct psychological research, and publish academic writing.
For specific careers, such as licensed psychologists, the doctorate is a requirement. Other jobs in psychology, however, require ‘terminal degrees,’ which people may obtain at a master’s level. Terminal degrees do not need the doctorate, although some professionals do opt to obtain them.
Prospective doctoral students must assess both their long-term career goals and financial status when considering their academic plans. These programs require time, dedication, financial commitment, and emotional persistence. Thus, students should thoroughly research their higher education options and career prospects before enrolling.
Ph.D. Vs. PsyD Degree
The Ph.D. and PsyD are both doctorate-level degrees. Both programs provide an advanced psychology curriculum, and both programs prepare students to become licensed psychologists.
The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) has an intensive focus on statistical analysis and research methods. Students who wish to interpret or conduct their own research or work in higher education teaching often pursue this track. The Ph.D. program tends to take five to seven years to complete, with students spending their last part of the curriculum focusing and completing their dissertations.
The Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) is a newer degree that also provides an advanced concentration on clinical knowledge and practical application. Instead of a coursework emphasis on research or statistics, the program prepares students to work with patients or clients directly. The average PsyD program takes four to six years to complete. Students often have the option to complete a dissertation or an equivalent clinical project.
Psychology Dual Degree Programs
Dual degree programs allow students to receive both a doctorate and a master’s degree within the same program. To achieve these degrees, the institution “double-counts” some of the curriculum’s course credits towards the completion of both degrees.
As a result, even though coursework may be intensive, the overall process takes less time than if the student were to complete each degree separately. However, before applying, it is essential for students to understand the commitment of enrolling in such a program.
FAQs
How long does it take to earn a master’s degree in psychology online?
The time it takes to complete an online Master of Psychology program depends on a number of factors, notably the number of credit hours and your status as either a full-time or part-time student. Generally, students take two to three years to complete their degree.
Are online Master of Psychology degree programs really 100 percent online?
All course materials, including lectures, quizzes, worksheets and study materials, are delivered online. Many programs require one or more on-campus visits, known as intensives or immersions, and most have a clinical practicum and/or internship component.
What can you do with a Master of Psychology?
Graduate psychology studies provide students with a diverse set of skills that can be used for career advancement in many different fields. If you’re interested in becoming a school psychologist, the Master of Psychology is the first step to earning a doctorate degree, according to the American Psychological Association (APA).
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